subject: This Is One Of My Favorite Moments Each Month [print this page] If you have ever had a credit card lost or stolen then you know the emotions that run high until the matter is settled. This has happened to me twice in the past two years. Someone, a criminal, reported my credit card lost to Bank of America in an attempt to get a replacement card issued to their own (the criminal's) mailing address. Did I receive an alert from Bank of America? Heck no and shame on them, but fortunately the wife and I have a back up plan.
Checkout Line Walk Of Shame
Most people have to learn the hard way about these crimes. Usually they are out shopping and swipe their card at checkout and it gets declined. The embarassment of having this happen with the cashier looking at you suspiciously and the shoppers in line behind you annoyed that you are holding them up is memorable for the wrong reasons. Worse, if you do not have enough cash or a back up card to use, then you get to do the walk of shame out of the store without your purchases.
Faster Way To Learn About Credit and Debit Card Problems
I first learned about the two crimes against me via text message alerts I have set up. As a subscriber to a credit monitoring service, the instant anything unusual changes on my credit report, I receive a text message and an email alert. If I am not near my computer, my mobile phone will display the text message. I'm covered wherever I go.
There are several different credit monitoring services so shop around and compare pricing and features. The major banks offer it or you can set it up through the credit bureaus. Whatever you choose, make sure to choose one that monitors all three major credit bureaus and also can send text message alerts in addition to email alerts.
One Of My Favorite Moments Each Month
If there are no important changes to my credit report, the credit monitoring service still sends a text message and email to confirm that everything is ok that month. When that message hits my inbox, it is definitely one of the best moments I have each month; knowing that I have my identity and my financial information under control. If you would like to enjoy that moment of peace each month, make a New Year's Resolution right now to spend a few bucks per month for credit monitoring.
